The Christian Vegetarian Association (CVA)

Take Heart!From Christian Vegetarian Association (CVA)

Animal Sacrifices (CVA’s position)

The Bible relates that God accepted animal sacrifices. Given the
many biblical passages showing God’s concern for animals, one may conclude
that the Hebrews’ need to relate to God with sacrifices was a more pressing
need. It is possible that, since all ancient cultures sacrificed animals to
their gods, the ancient Hebrews could not imagine approaching God without
first performing sacrifices themselves.

Interestingly, the Bible does not describe God demanding sacrifice–it
only explains how sacrifice should be carried out if performed. Even
Abraham’s sacrifice of the ram was Abraham’s idea, not God’s requirement (Genesis
22:13).

Regardless of sacrifice’s role in the worship of the ancient Hebrews,
several later prophets objected to sacrifice, emphasizing that God prefers
righteousness. Animal sacrifices are not required or even desired now, for
at least two reasons.

First, Paul encouraged self-sacrifice, writing, “[P]resent your bodies as
a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual
worship” (Romans 12:1). Second, traditional interpretations of
Jesus’ death affirm that, because of him, animal sacrifice is no longer
necessary. Christians, being new creations in Christ, may model Christ by
choosing a loving relationship with all Creation. Indeed, Jesus twice quoted
Hosea (6:6), saying, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice” (Matthew
9:13, 12:7).

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